Chelsea reject Serie A loan bid for out-of-favour attacker

Chelsea have turned down a loan offer from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea have rejected Inter Milan’s £7m loan bid for Romelu Lukaku, as the Serie A giants look to secure another spell for the striker.

According to Telegraph, (h/t FCInter News), Lukaku who wants to continue at Inter, was earlier linked with a move to Saudi clubs but remains keen to continue his career in Europe.

While his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end, a move to familiar surroundings at the Giuseppe Meazza could be in order. The Blues, however, appear keen to end the association on their terms and have rebuffed Inter’s efforts so far.

Lukaku, who joined Chelsea in the 2021–22 season, struggled to remain consistent and was sent back on loan to Inter for the 2022-23 season. However, the former Everton striker endured a patchy spell at Inter before he found form in the latter stages of the season.

It is also understood that Inter’s city rivals, AC Milan, are also interested in signing the striker, and the Blues could be looking to sell him if Milan makes an attractive bid. It would indicate that the Blues are keen to get the player permanently off their books rather than another temporary switch.

The Blues are hoping to trim down their squad and have already offloaded a few marginal players. Kai Havertz is closing in on a move to Arsenal while Mason Mount is attracting attention from Manchester United. Chelsea’s captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, meanwhile, is on the verge of joining Inter Milan.

Given what he said about Chelsea in his interview while under Thomas Tuchel, there is little doubt that the Belgian’s attentions lie elsewhere. It is in our best interests to cash in on a player who isn’t committed to the cause.

A permanent sale would make more sense knowing that we need to reinforce several areas in the squad. Despite being on the verge of landing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, Chelsea lack an infallible goalscorer and could do with investment in the area.

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It will be preferable to sell Lukaku for good rather than continuously sending him out on loan since we are also looking to offload Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. One of our top earners, getting the Belgian off the books will also make financial sense and free up reserves. At 29, he should be in his prime but so far we have failed to see it on a consistent basis, atleast in Chelsea colours.